Why Select a Licensed Residential Builder?
A Licensed Residential Builder acting as a General Contractor ( “The Builder”) serves as a single point of
contact and manages all aspects of your building projects. “ The Builder” assumes total responsibility for
the quality of workmanship, and integrity of the complete job upon you behalf. “The Builder” makes
the difficult decisions for you, acquires the necessary permits, schedules the work, and inspections,
orders the building materials and products, and negotiates with the Sub-Contractors for you.
Tip: Unlicensed & improperly insured Contractors expose you to significant risk. It is always
recommended that you request evidence of licensure, and certificates of Liability and Workmen’s
Compensation. The State of Michigan requires both, it is the law.
Tip: The State of Michigan has many different licenses that can be acquired i.e. drywall
contractor, electrical contractor, roofing contractor. New Homes, Additions, bathroom & kitchen
renovations and additions are best handled by Licensed Residential Builder with General Contractor
Experience.
What are the Advantages of hiring a Residential Builder acting as my General Contractor?
The Homeowner has a single point partnership with one company “The Builder” who upon your behalf
will design, specify, negotiate, and build your project; and assumes responsibility and authority for the
workmanship, and cost control of your project.
Will a building permit be required for my project?
As a rule, a building permit is required whenever:
- When a new home is being built.
- When a well, drainfield, driveway, utility and sewer connections are being constructed.
- When structural changes occur to your home i.e. the basic living area has been expanded or the
exterior of your home has been altered.
- When the homes mechanical systems are installed or improved. A new hot water heater
required a permit and inspection upon completion of the installation.
- Some municipalities require building permits to re-roof an existing house or structure or to
make alterations to the exterior.
- Whenever in doubt it is best to call the local municipality and ask if a permit will be necessary.
Tip: Beware of Contractors who say they can save you money by not getting a Building Permit, they may
not be licensed or insured.
Is there an average cost per square foot?
No, there are many variables to be considered. Essentially your choice in design, size of your building lot
and size of our project, and products will determine the cost per square foot for the work you desire.
How will I know what the cost of my Project will be?
It is not possible during the initial planning stages of any project and building relationship to know
exactly what your project will cost. However, through careful planning, and precise pricing based upon
completed building plans and specifications an accurate cost can be determined.
MayBuilders is happy to provide you with a “BallPark” estimate based upon our experience of what we
think your building ideas will cost.
We cannot build your project without a realistic budget, and neither can anyone else.
Tip: Beware of Contractors who say they can provide a firm quote for labor and materials without a set
of complete plans and specifications.
Will a Contract be necessary? I am wary of long Contracts.
A competent Licensed Residential Builder will be able to determine the type of Contract that is
necessary. All contractual agreements should have input by both parties. A Builders Standard Contract
maybe acceptable for a New Home, but not apply for Addition, just as a Remodeling Contract may
not be necessary for deck or garage addition. As a rule, the best contracts are constructed of easy to
understand language and offer protection for both parties involved.
Tip: If the language of the contract is difficult to understand, or you do not see enough protection for
you and your family, ask your Builder to rewrite the Contract with your concerns addressed.
Tip: Never conduct business with a Handshake Agreement. Save the handshakes for when the
contracted has been successfully signed.